Curtain.



PATENTED AUG. 9, 1904,

0,l B. KAISER.

CURTAIN.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.. e. 1904.

' N0 MODEL.

UNITED STATES Patented August 9, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE OLIVER B. KAISER, OF NORVOOD, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF TIO-THIRBSTO JAMES E. STAOEY, OF I/VYOMING, HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO.

CURTAIN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 767,346, dated August 9, 1904.

Application filed March 8, 1904. Serial No. 197,180. (No modeL).

Be it known that I, OLIVER B. KAISER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Norwood, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Curtains, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a fireproof curtain.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a curtain of metallic panels which fold into a convenient receptacle and which when unfolded serially interlock. These panels in their unfolded condition are connected to asuspended counterbalance, there being a trip mechanism serving to unlock the counterbalance whereby it descends and unfolds the curtain, thereby screening the opening.

Another object of my invention is to so construct and arrange the trip that it may be conveniently operated manually from the stage or automatically from distant or various points.

Another object of my invention is to provide an electrically-controlled clutch mechanism for winding the counterbalance up and folding the curtain. rThe feature of this clutch mechanism is that it shall be in an inaccessible position, so that it cannot be tampered with, thus avoiding danger of locking the counterbalance against the free descent when the trip is operated.

Figurev 1 is a vertical section, partly in elevation, illustrating my improvement. Fig. 2 is a section on line w at, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged View of the switch-control for the electric circuit. Fig. 4 is a section on lineoo, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the tripping mechanism and curtain in its normal position. Fig'. 6 is a detail sectional view of the curtain in its unfolded position. Fig. 7

is a detail sectional view, enlarged, of the manually-operated tripping mechanism in position with the trip. Fig. 8 is a detail side view of the switch-bar shown in Fig. 3.

1 represents the stage, beneath which is provided a receptacle 2. In the preferred form a plurality of panels is employed; but it is evident that the invention might be employed to a single panel. IVithin this receptacle normally rest the metallic panels 3 4 5 6, form- 5o ing the curtain. These panels at their abutting ends are provided with interlocking hooks 7 8, by means of which one panel engages and raises the other when unfolding.

9 l0 representvertical guideways upon each 55 side of the stage, in which the curtain travels.

11 represents the arch from the ceiling. (Shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1.) Within the arch and suitably attached to the-wall is a bracket 12. There is one of these brackets and its supported parts at each end of the arch. Within this bracket is journaled the shaft 13. Upon this shaft 13 is keyed a sheave 14, over which passes the cable 15. The cable 15 is passed over the sheave 16, journaled 65 on the bracket 12. One end of the cable is attached to the upper end of the panel 3 and the other end to the counterbalance 17.

18 represents a sprocketwheel loose on shaft 13. This sprocket is provided with a magnetic field 19.

2O represents an armature-collar splined upon the shaft 13, so as to turn therewith and slide thereon.

21 22 represent the electrodes for charging 75 the eld. This is a conventional magnetclutch, and when the field is energized the armature-collar locks with the sprocket-Wheel, and so the sprocket-wheel and sheave 14C are clutched together for winding up the counter- 8O balance. Mechanism is provided for deenergizing the field when the counterbalance is in the nal suspended position, (shown in Fig. 1,) whereby it is free to drop independent of the winding-sprocket when the trip is operated.

The upper end of the panel 3 is provided with an indent, into which engages a lockingpin 23. Within the receptacle 2 is a bracket 24. The pin 23 is supported in this bracket so as to slide in the direction of the panel, and 9o it is provided with a coil-spring 25, normally pressing the pin outward.

26 represents a housing erected above the stage at one side, within which is placed the operating-handle 27, vthe lower end of which is in connection with shaft 28. There is shown in Fig. 5 three of these locking-pins 23, all of which are in connection with the shaft 28.

(See Fig. By meansvof this lever the curtain may be closed by an attendant on the stage 1n case of an emergency, which forms the manual means for releasing the curtain. A

In order to provide further means for unlocking the pins 23, I provide within the bracket 24 the magnet-coils 29, placed in juxtaposition to the heads 30 of the pins 23, these heads constituting; armatures. 31 32 represent the wires from the coils.

33 represents the battery, and 34 the switch. There may be several switches in the circuit, some of which are controlled by thermostats and some of which are in the different parts of the building', such as the managers office, &c., or within reach of the operator who controls the lighting or other dangerous positions.

lt is of course understood that the counterbalance 17 is suitably incased at one side of the stage, so that it may descend without injury to any one.

35 represents hoisting mechanism upon each side of the stage accessible to the attendants, the sprocket-chain a passing around these hoisting mechanisms and also around the sprocket-wheels 18.

It is desirable to provide mechanism whereby when the curtain is unfolded the magnetclutch will be energized at the completion of the curtain f raising and also mechanism whereby the magnet is denergized at the completion of the folding of the curtain. These mechanisms are as follows:

Just within and upon opposite sides of the arch 11 are supported the solenoids 36, having the armature-cores 37 sliding in the tube These cores are provided with bumpers 38, which are dependent into the path of curtain travel, so as to be engaged by the upper end of the panel 3 at the completion of its unfolding travel. i

39 39 40 40/ represent electrodes on the lower en'd of the solenoid, and 41 represents a switch on the armature-core. (See Figs. 3, and 8.) The electrodes 39 39 40 40' are 'cars having inward spring tension, and each ear is insulated from its companion ear. Likewise switch 41 is constructed of two bars 71, '22, insulated from each other and the core 37. The electrodes on one side are in circuit with the field of the magnetic clutch and the other side with the solenoid. Normally-- that is, when the curtain is folded-these armature-cores are in their lowered position, (shown in Fig. 3,) the switch being open. Within the bracket 24 is a pin 44, pushed normally outward by means of a coil-spring. At its outer ends the pin has a bearing-roller engaging' against the panel 3 when the curtain is folded and adapted to be tripped by the panel 3 when the curtain folds to return the pin to normal position. (Shown in Fig. 1.)

47 43 represent electrodes on bracket 24, controlled by the switch-bar 49 on the pin 44.

The electrodes 47 48 are in circuit with solenoids, Fig. 1.

-Whenever the pins 23 are released for unfolding' the curtain, as soon as the panel 3 has been raised to the level of the stage the pin 44 will be forced outward, closing the switch 49 and forming a practical circuit to the electrode 39 of the solenoid, and just as soon as the upper end of the panel 3 engages the bumper 38 it will raise the cores 37, closing the switches 41, completing the circuit for the solenoid and also for the magnet-clutch.

It is evident that other equivalent carriers may be substituted for the specific sheaves and sprocket-wheels, and these specific forms are not claimed in the specific sense.

/Vhen both the switches 41 and 49 are closed, the magnet-solenoids 36 are energized and hold the switch 41. At the same time the circuit is closed to the magnetic clutch the hoisting mechanism may be operated to wind the counterbalance to its suspended position. Following are the connections: Tire c leads from one pole of the magnetic clutch to the dynamo or source of supply. Wire (Z leads from the other pole of the magnetic clutch to electrode 40. 53 represents a wire connecting the electrode 39 on the correspondingside as thatof electrode40 with the dynamo. Obviously this partial circuit is controlled by one bar of the switch 41. 50 is a wire connected to the electrode 39 to the opposite pole of the source of supply. As this dynamocurrent is too powerful for the solenoid-coil, I provide the following circuit for energizing the solenoid: 42 is a wire connecting the electrode 47 with the electrode 39, 43 is a wire connecting the battery to one pole of the solenoid-coil, and 52 is a wire connecting the other end of the solenoid-coil with the electrode 40. 51 represents a wire from the battery to the electrode 47. Thus it is obvious that when both the switches 41 and 49 are closed the solenoids are energized with the battery-current. It will be understood that the partial circuit is normally denergized, and when energized by closing the switch the lock is tripped and the curtain rises.

In winding the counter-balance the electric clutch will remain energized until the curtain is folded into position, when the pin 44 is rcturned to its normal position by engagement with the depending panel 3, the switch 49 will be opened, and the solenoid will be demagnetized. By reason of the air-cushion formed by the sleeve L the core will not drop until the panels are practically all in their folded position, thus opening the dynamo-circuit and dcenergizing the magnet-clutch at the time the panels are all folded into their receptacles.

The curtain being in its normal position is unfolded or the arca closed by tripping the pin 23 either manually by the lever 27 or automatically through the magnets 20. Thus the counterbalance when free will instantly IOO descend, drawing upward thecurtain-panels 3 4 5 6 serially. As soon as the panel`3 has moved upward above the pin 44 it will be thrown outward by the tension of the springengaging switch 49 with the electrodes 47 48 and completing the partial circuit to the'electrode 39' of the solenoid 36. Vhen the panel 3 reaches its limit of upward travel, it will engage the bumper 38 of the core 37, causing it to move upward, throwing switch 41 into engagement with its electrodes, which will complete the partial circuit of the solenoid or one pole, the other being in direct connection with the source of supply. Thereby the solenoid will be energized, which will hold the switch 41 in engaging position with they electrodes. Likewise as the switch 4l is closed a partial circuit will be completed with the field ot' the mag'net-clutch or one pole. The other being in direct connection with the source of supply will energize the magnetclutch. Consequently it willbe seen that the hoisting' mechanism 35 is in driving connection with the counterbalance and through its action will draw the counterbalance upward, permitting' the curtain to descend into its normal position. As the circuits with the solenoids are closed, it remains energized until the panel 3 pushes the pin backward, throwing out switch 49, which will break the circuit of the solenoid; but as the core 37 drops slowly, owing to the air-cushion formed with the sleeve L, enough time is allowed before the magnet-clutch circuit is broken to enable the counterbalance to be brought up to its normal position and the panel 3 locked by the pin 23, after which all the circuits will be broken, rendering the counterbalance free to descend when the pin is released. Thus it will be readily seen that there is no obstruc-` tion to interfere with the descent of the counterbalance when released by pin 23.

In the claims reciting' the elements, a panel and a counterbalance, the qualification that one of said members is suspended refers to the relative positions of counterbalance and panelz'. e., one of them being' suspended in raised position, while the other is down.

Having described my invention, I claim l. A hreprooiLl curtain consistingv of one or more metallic panels, a counterbalance, one of said members being' normally suspended, guideways for said members, a cable connectingthe said members, a lock for holding the Asuspended member in position, means `for the winding mechanism, substantially as described.

2. A hreprootl curtam, consisting ot one or more metallic panels, a counterbalance, one of said members being normally suspended,

guideways for said members, a cableconnecting said members, a lock for-holding the suspended member in position, a magnet-trip normally denergized for releasing the lock, and an electric circuit vand switch for energizing said magnet thereby releasing the curtain,sub stantially as described.

3. A iireproof curtain, consisting of oneor more metallic panels, normally housed below the stage, a suspended counterbalance, a cable connecting them, a sheave over which said cable passes, a lock engaging the said panel, means for releasing the lock, a hoisting mechanism for said counterbalance, and connections between thev said hoisting mechanism and the cable-sheave, whereby they are both operated for hoisting the counterbalance, but disconnected when the counterbalance drops, substantially as described.

4. A fireproof curtain, consisting of one or more metallic panels, a counterbalance, one of said members -being normally suspended, a sheave, a cable passing over the sheave and connecting the said panel and counterbalance, a hoisting mechanism comprising a magnetclutch, a switch interposed in the path ofl travel of the panel adapted to energize the said magnet-clutch, a lock for the suspended member and means for releasing the same, substantially as described.

5. A fireproof curtain, consisting of one orr more metallic panels, a counterbalance, one of said members being normally suspended, a cable connecting said members, alock for the suspended member, a magnet-trip for releasing the lock, and a switch controlling the energizingotl said magnet-trip, the said switch being placed in any selected position, substantially as described.

6. A ireproof curtain, consisting of metallic panels, adapted to fold into a space equal to the width of one of the panels, and to unfold from stage to arch, the overlapping' ends being connected together when unfolded, a counterbalance, one ot' said members being suspended, a cable connecting them, a sheave over which thecable passes, a lock for the suspended member, means for releasing the lock, a hoisting mechanism for the suspended member, and a clutch between the sheave and hoisting mechanism whereby the curtain when tripped, closes independent of the latter, sub` stantially as described.

7. A vtireprootl curtain, consisting of metallic panels, adapted to fold into a space equal to the width of one of the panels, and to unfold from stage to arch, the overlapping ends being connected tog'ether when unfolded, a counterbalance, one of said members being suspended, a cable connecting them, a lock for the suspended member, means for releasing the lock, and a hoisting' mechanismcomprising a magnet-clutch and a switch for closing the energizing-circuit, substantially as described. Y 8. A iireproof curtain, consistingoic metallic panels adapted tol fold into a space under the IOO ISO

stage equal to the width of one of the panels and to unfold from stage to arch, guides for the said panels, the overlapping ends of the said panels having interlocking hooks adapted to engag'e in unfolding, a suspended counterbalance attached to one of said panels, a lock, a sheave and cable mechanism, a hoisting mechanism, a trip for the lock, means adapted to actuate the trip when electrically energized, and a clutch between the sheave and hoisting' mechanism, substantially as described.

9. A fireproof curtain, consisting of one or more metallic panels, a counterbalance, a sheave, a cable passing over the same and connecting' the panel to the counterbalance, a hoisting mechanism for the counterbalance, a magnet-clutch between the sheave and hoisting mechanism, a solenoid the armature-core of which is interposed in the path of curtain travel, a switch on the core, the switch being in partial circuit with the magnet-clutch, a dynamo-current for said magnet-clutch, the switch being also in partial circuit with the circuit for energizing the solenoid, a batterycurrent for the solenoid whereby at a given place in the curtain travel, the solenoid and the magnet-clutch are both energized, the switch being' closed as long as the solenoid is energized, and means for denergizing the solenoid at a given place in the return travel of the curtain, substantially as described.

10. A fireproof curtain, consisting of one or more metallic panels, a counterbalance, a sheave, a cable passing over the same and connecting' the panel to the counterbalance, a hoisting mechanism for the counterbalance, a magnet-clutch between the sheave and hoisting mechanism, a solenoid, the armature-core of which is interposed in the path of curtain travel, a switch on the core, a current for energizing' the solenoid, a spring controlled switch normally open and engaging the panel and closed when thev panel is raised, the switch on the armature-core being in partial circuit with the solenoid-energizing current, a lcurrent for energizing the magnet-clutch, the said armature-core switch being independently in partial circuit with the said magnetenergizing current, the said spring-controlled switch being' adapted to be engaged and opened by the return of the panel to normal position, whereby the magnet-clutch is automatically energized when the curtain is operated and automatically denergized when the curtain is returned to normal position, substantially as described.

11. A iireproof curtain, a counterbalance therefor, a sheave, a cable connecting them, a hoisting mechanism, a magnet-clutch between the sheave and hoisting mechanism, a current for energizing the magnet, electric connections, and a switch interposed in the path of travel of the curtain adapted to automatically energize the magnet-clutch in one direction of movement, substantially as described.

12. In a fireproof curtain, a counterbalance therefor, a sheave, cable connecting them, a hoisting mechanism, a magnet-clutch between the sheave and hoisting mechanism, a current for energizing the magnet, electric connections, and switches interposed in the path of travel of the curtain adapted to automatically energize the magnet-clutch in one direction of curtain travel, and to automatically denergize the clutch in the other direction of curtain travel, substantially as described.

13. A curtain comprising a series of panels adapted to be serially engaged with each othei` when unfolding, a counterbalance in connection therewith, a lock for maintaining said panels in their normal folded position, means for releasing said lock, means for returning said panels to their normal position after the curtain has been unfolded, means for maintaining said returning mechanism in action during the curtain return, and means for releasing the returning mechanism after the curtain is in its normal position, substantially as described.

14. A curtain, means for supporting and locking the same normally upon one side of the opening to be screened, tripping means adapted to release the lock, means for moving the curtain from normal to closed position when tripped, means for returning said curtain to the normal position, an electric circuit and device actuated thereby for controlling the said returning mechanism, a switch belonging to said circuit and means for actuating said switch during the movement of the curtain from its normal to closed position whereby the said returning mechanism cannot be operated until the curtain has completed its said closing operation, substantially as described.

15. A curtain, means for supporting and locking the same normally upon one side of the opening to be screened, tripping means adapted to release the lock, means for moving the curtain from normal to the closed position when tripped, means for returning said curtain to the normal position, an electric circuit and device actuated thereby for controlling the said returning mechanism, a switch belonging to said circuit, and means for actuating said switch during the movement of the curtain from its normal to closed position, whereby the said returning mechanism cannot be operated until the curtain has completed its said closingI operation, and automatic means for throwing said returning mechanism out of commission substantially at the end of the return of the curtain, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

OLIVER B. KAISER. Witnesses:

W. R. Woon,

Luisa BECK.

IOO

ILO 

